Spiegelau introduces new IPA-specific glassware

Custom glassware retailer Spiegelau thinks so, announcing a new IPA-specific beer glass that will be available in April or May. The company says it developed the new glassware with input from renowned U.S. craft brewers Sam Calagione and Ken Grossman, which certainly lends some credence to the endeavor.

The glasses will be available in a set of two for $24.99. The company announced in an email this morning:

Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer aficionado or you’re just discovering the tastes of India Pale Ales (IPA), Spiegelau’s latest innovation will forever change the way you experience your brew. Spiegelau, in collaboration with Dogfish Head and Sierra Nevada breweries, has created the essential tool for a future filled with premium craft IPA-style beers.

With input from the leading IPA brewers in the United States – Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head and Ken Grossman of Sierra Nevada – Spiegelau has created the new standard for IPA beer glassware. Through a series of design and tasting sessions, the collaborating breweries unanimously voted for a single glass out of an original lineup of twelve Spiegelau prototypes. Designed to showcase varying aromatic profiles for the American ‘hop forward” IPA beer, preserve a frothy head and volatiles and maintain a comfortably wide opening for the drinker to “nose” the beer, Spiegelau’s latest glass design is sure to become the go-to vessel for IPA beers.

All parties involved believe they have created a glass that perfectly amplifies and balances even the hoppiest of IPA beers.

“The goal of this initiative was to develop a glass that would serve as the new global standard for the American IPA style of beer, just as the world recognizes ‘wheat’, ‘pilsner’ and other beer glass styles,” explained Spiegelau Vice President Matthew Rutkowski. “We are thrilled to have collaborated with America’s preeminent IPA brewers on this project, as this further validates that we are offering beer drinkers a glass that will maximize their tasting experience to its fullest potential.”

“I’ve been a longtime believer in the importance of using quality glassware to enhance the enjoyment of quality craft beer,” said Dogfish Head Founder and President Sam Calagione. “The process of collaborating on the design of this hop-centric glass takes this concept to the next level.”

Ken Grossman, Sierra Nevada’s founder, shared “Hop-forward beers are close to our hearts, and we’ve had fun figuring out how to best highlight an IPA’s nuances,” “We imagine hopheads will enjoy giving the glass a try.”

The new Spiegelau IPA-specific glasses will be sold at retailers nationwide beginning in April 2013. Currently available for pre-order through www.riedelusa.net. For a year-long period beginning in February 2013, a branded logo version will also be distributed at the namesake breweries and webstores, as well as at bars and restaurants currently carrying Sierra Nevada or Dogfish Head beers.